Long Walk Vineyard 2020 Carignan
One of the great pleasures of doing this website is the opportunity to see more deeply into any one region's wines. Sometimes it's the small, off-the-radar producers who are doing some of the most interesting, cutting edge work. I can count on one hand the number of Oregon Carignans I've ever had, so this is an especially fun discovery. Aromatic, ruby red, replete with scents of marionberry pie, this is a mouthfilling wine that absolutely charms from start to finish. It's pure varietal from organically grown fruit, nicely balanced with sassy acids, ripe tannins and moderate alcohol. 71 cases; 13.6%; $38 (Rogue Valley) 92/100
https://www.longwalkvineyard.com/wines
L'Ecole 2019 Seven Hills Vineyard Perigee
Earthy and aromatic, this single vineyard Bordeaux blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 17% Cab Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec is wonderfully concentrated, full-bodied and bursting with berries. Tannins are lightly peppery, with some attractive herbal highlights as the finish rounds out the fruit. This is quintessential Walla Walla wine, a sophisticated Bordeaux blend from a special site. It's got length, balance and power, and at this quality and price it's an excellent value. 1010 cases; 14.5%; $58 (Walla Walla) 94/100
https://www.lecole.com/wine/2019-estate-perigee/